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HOW TO USE -보다, -보다 더, AND -만큼
This lesson teaches you the most importqnt expressions used to convey relative quantities in Korean:
– 보다
– 보다 더
– 만큼
Let’s have a look at structures and examples.
BASIC COMPARISON: -보다
보다 is the fundamental expression used to compare two objects, indicating that one is superior or inferior to the other.
It functions similarly to than in English and is placed after the object being compared.
PATTERN
Noun + -보다
사과가 배보다 더 비싸요
Apples are more expensive than pearsView More Examples:
| 저는 형보다 키가 작아요. | I am shorter than my older brother. |
| 어제보다 오늘이 더 추워요. | Today is colder than yesterday. |
- NOTES:
- 보다 can be used with various parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
- The object of comparison can be omitted if it’s clear from the context.
- 보다 serves as a benchmark for comparison, clearly indicating the relative standing of the two objects.
EMPHASIZING THE DIFFERENCE: -보다 더
-보다 더 amplifies the comparison, signifying that one object is significantly more superior to the other.
It’s akin to much more than in English and is also placed after the object being compared.
PATTERN
Noun + -보다 더
이 차는 저 차보다 더 비싸요
This car is much more expensive than that car.View More Examples:
| 이 영화는 그 영화보다 더 재미있어요. | This movie is much more interesting than that movie. |
| 어제보다 더 오늘이 추워요. | Today is much colder than yesterday. |
- NOTES:
- -보다 더 intensifies the comparison, highlighting the degree of difference between the objects.
- It’s often used with adjectives and adverbs to emphasize the extent of the difference.
INDICATING SIMILARITY: -만큼
-만큼 expresses that two objects are similar in degree or quantity.
It’s similar to as…as or as much as in English and is placed after the object being compared.
PATTERN
[Noun] + -만큼
저는 형만큼 키가 커요
I am as tall as my older brother.View More Examples:
| 이 책은 그 책만큼 재미있어요. | This book is as interesting as that book. |
| 어제만큼 오늘이 추워요. | Today is as cold as yesterday. |
- NOTES:
- -만큼 indicates the similarity or equivalence between two objects.
- To specify the standard of comparison, -(으)ㄴ/는 만큼 is used.
노력한 만큼 좋은 결과가 있을 거예요
You will get good results as much as you put effortAPPLICATIONS & CONSIDERATIONS
With verbs
보다 and -만큼 can be used with verbs to compare actions or degrees.
| 저는 친구보다 한국어를 더 잘해요. | I speak Korean better than my friend. |
| 저는 친구만큼 한국어를 잘해요. | I speak Korean as well as my friend. |
Omission of comparison object
| 어제가 추워요. | Yesterday was cold. |
Cautions
The overuse of -보다 더 can sound awkward, it should be used judiciously for emphasis.
-만큼 is for indicating similarity, it is best to avoid using it when there’s a significant difference between the objects.
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FAQs
What does 보다 mean in Korean?
보다 is used to compare two things, meaning “than” or “compared to.”
It helps show a relative difference in quantity, quality, or degree.
How is 보다 더 different from just using 보다?
보다 더 emphasizes the comparison even more.
더 means “more,” so using it adds extra clarity or strength to the comparison.
How do I use 만큼 in Korean sentences?
만큼 means “as much as” or “to the extent of.”
It shows that two things are equal or similar in quantity, quality, or degree.
Can I use 보다, 보다 더, and 만큼 together?
Yes, it’s possible when making more complex comparisons, but it’s important to structure the sentence clearly to avoid confusion.
Are they used in casual or formal Korean?
They are used in both! Just adjust the verb endings (like using 요 for polite speech) depending on the situation.
Can I study Korean at LTL Language School?
Yes!
You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.
Contact us here if you have any questions.